“Spirit of the Rules”, Carter Takes Over, USOC Format Changes, Power FC Awards, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks Happy Thursday everyone! Yesterday was one of those news days that was mostly a quiet soccer news day that was bookened by the huge Spirit news. The new President of Soccer Operations news dropped just as I was rolling into work. The Trinity Rodman contract news broke just I was trying to call it a night. I am curious to see were things go today.

Yesterday was a huge news day for the Spirit. We look at Haley Carter's arrival, the Rodman contract bombshell report, Power FC awards, USOC format changes and more in today's Freedom Kicks.
#ThatsTheSpirit #dcpowerfc #woso #minnesotaaurora #nwsl

Have you heard about the team that’s looking to go FIVE seasons #unbeaten?! 👀

Wes Burdine joins @susannahfuller.bsky.social and @empiregass.bsky.social to chat about the growth of #MinnesotaAurora, emphasizing the importance of being community owned!

Final whistle. Utah’s first half stoppage time goal is the difference. Utah advances to the USLW championship despite a valiant effort by Aurora.
#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

5 minutes of stoppage time for Aurora to find an equalizer.
#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Last Chance Saloon time for Aurora. 88th minute and still 1-0 Utah.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

57th minute- Kane punches a dangerous Utah cross clear.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Aurora exerting pressure on Utah to start the half, but no breakthrough yet. Also seems like the smoke and haze are starting to encroach on TCO.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Start of the second half. 46 minutes for Aurora to find an equalizer.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Westlund draws a foul just outside Utah’s box in first half stoppage time. Free kick skyed over the the bar. Utah counters and Wallbrook scores just before the break. 1-0 Utah at the half.
#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Westlund has forced Utah to make two difficult saves in the last few. Unlucky to have nothing to show for it.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

Of course as soon as I type that Utah forces Kane into a difficult save and Utah starts to exert pressure.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

28th Minute - Aurora starting to get a foothold on the game, but unable to break Utah down in the final third.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

A nice pass puts Wimes in with one defender and it’s forced out for a corner.

#minnesotaaurora #aurorafc

It’s @mnaurorafc.bsky.social vs Utah United in the USLW National Semifinal from a smoky, hazy Eagan, MN.

#minnesotaaurora #uslw

Twitter post from MN Aurora congratulating MN PWHL on winning Walter Cup

Among the first to congratulate #Minnesota #PWHL is the #MinnesotaAurora